A heart murmur was detected. Blood tests were ordered. I leaned over my cat sprawled out on the examination table, stroking her head and mumbling soothing words into her ear while they drew the blood from her lower leg. She had vehemently resisted up until the moment I started talking to her. I knew she was just scared and feeling vulnerable.

I didn't know what was wrong with her, but I felt that I had to face the possibility of losing my beloved little cat sooner than I expected. Unfortunately, this also meant torturing myself with worst case scenarios (to protect myself from the inevitable grief? To steel myself?). Granted, I am very aware of the fact that I will have to say goodbye to her at some point, however, I just never thought it would be this soon.

Luckily, I was told after two agonizing days of waiting, that "Katie has hyperthyroidism," a very common and treatable condition in cats. She doesn't have FIV or Feline Leukemia. She doesn't have 6 months to live or just 3. With treatment, she is going to live a long, happy cat life.

So, I have my Katie a little longer (and I can breathe a little easier). I am so incredibly grateful. But that day will come, I know. Until then, I have a little kitty cat to take care of.